Explained: Why US halted student visa interviews — key rules and risks for 2025

Dubai: The US State Department has temporarily suspended the scheduling of new student visa interviews worldwide.

This drastic shift is part of a broader move to expand social media screening of applicants. The suspension comes amid President Donald Trump’s ongoing disputes with elite US colleges.

The State Department has already ordered embassies to stop scheduling new student visa appointments as it starts social media surveillance of applicants.

Highlighting the rigorous nature of the visa vetting process, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the US will thoroughly assess the necessity of allowing international students and tourists into the United States.

“We’re going to continue to vet. Whether you’re a student or a tourist who needs a visa, or whoever you are, we’re going to be looking at you... We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” she said.

Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, removing the college from the program that allows schools to sponsor foreign students for visas. That effort was quickly challenged in court and, for now, is blocked by a federal judge.

This spring, the administration also revoked the legal status of thousands of international students already in the country, leading some to leave the US out of fear of deportation. After many students filed successful legal challenges, the administration said it was restoring the students’ legal status. But the government also expanded the grounds for terminating international students’ legal status going forward.

President Donald Trump’s previous administration stepped up scrutiny of all visa applicants, introducing reviews of their social media accounts. The policy remained during President Joe Biden’s administration.

An extended pause in scheduling student visas could lead to delays that may disrupt college boarding school, or exchange students’ plans to enrol in summer and fall terms.

A downturn in enrolment of international students could hurt university budgets. To make up for cuts in federal research funding, some colleges shifted to enrolling more international students, who often pay full tuition.

No. The suspension does not apply to applicants who already had their student visa interviews scheduled. A US official confirmed this measure is temporary.

The new policy mandates comprehensive reviews of social media activity for all F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa applicants.

Consular officers will scrutinise posts for any support of terrorist activity or hostile attitudes toward the US.

They must take screenshots of any “potentially derogatory” content—even if deleted later—and store them in the applicant’s case file.

Evidence of public approval for terrorism or hostility to US institutions could lead to visa denial.

The expansion is driven by national security concerns, especially in light of recent pro-Palestinian campus activism and visa revocations. Officials aim to prevent individuals with extremist views or anti-American sentiment from entering the US.

Students may face visa delays that could affect enrolment for the upcoming academic terms (August/September).

They are advised to monitor embassy updates, have backup plans, and maintain transparent social media profiles.

The uncertainty may also affect financial planning, as tuition deposits and other fees could be at risk if visas are delayed or denied.

Students are advised to:

• Stay informed by regularly checking updates from the US embassy and their respective universities

• Prepare for potential delays and have backup plans in place

• Ensure transparency in their social media profiles to avoid complications during the vetting process

Under stricter enforcement:

• Visas can be revoked if students skip classes, drop out, or engage in unauthorized employment.

• Overstaying or violating status rules may also result in deportation.

• Students are warned against posting questionable content on platforms like Instagram, X, or TikTok.

Yes. The Trump administration revoked the legal status of thousands of students this spring over minor offenses.

Legal challenges reversed some decisions, but the government has since broadened the criteria for termination of legal status.

No. The US State Department clearly states:

“There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.”

• F-1 Visa: For academic study at accredited institutions like colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, or language programs.

• M-1 Visa: For vocational or non-academic programs.

• J-1 Visa: For exchange programs (e.g., high school or university study).

The F-1 visa allows foreign nationals to study full-time at a US academic institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Applicants must prove temporary intent and adequate financial support.

They can work on campus (max 20 hours/week) and may seek off-campus work with special permission.

Spouses and children may accompany them on F-2 visas, but cannot work (children may attend school).

Extremely. Many universities rely on international student tuition to offset cuts in federal research funding.

In 2023–24, India alone sent over 268,000 students to the US, and numbers were expected to rise.